Quick Info
Main areas: Resort base village and Fraser town. Range: Quick bites to sit-down dinners. Peak times: Lunch rush (11:30am-1pm), dinner (6-8pm). Tip: Fraser has more options and better value.
Dining at Winter Park splits between the resort base village and the town of Fraser a few miles away. The village offers convenience but higher prices and limited options. Fraser provides more variety, better value, and a more authentic mountain town feel. Know your options to eat well on your ski trip.
Resort Village
The base area has restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the slopes:
Sit-down options:
- American grills and pub fare
- Pizza and Italian
- Mexican restaurants
- Upscale dining for special occasions
Quick service:
- Coffee shops for morning fuel
- Delis and sandwiches
- Fast casual options
Expect resort pricing - you're paying for convenience and location. Quality varies from excellent to typical resort fare.
On-Mountain Dining
Several lodges serve food on the mountain:
- Lodge at Sunspot (top of Zephyr Express) - upscale lunch with views
- Lunch Rock Cafe - cafeteria-style base of Mary Jane
- Various lodges with cafeteria service
On-mountain dining is convenient but expensive. Many skiers pack snacks and eat a real meal after skiing.
Fraser Dining
Fraser offers more dining variety at better prices:
What you'll find:
- Local restaurants with personality
- Breweries and taprooms
- Mexican, BBQ, pizza, American
- Breakfast spots
- Grocery stores for stocking up
Fraser is a 5-minute drive from the resort. Free shuttles connect the towns. The extra effort rewards with better options and value.
Breakfast
Start your ski day right:
- Village coffee shops and cafes open early
- Fraser has breakfast restaurants with hearty mountain fare
- Many lodging options include breakfast
- Grocery stores in Fraser for quick options
Eating a good breakfast before skiing saves money and ensures you're fueled for the mountain.
Après-Ski
See our après-ski guide for post-skiing food and drinks. The base village has bars and restaurants that transition to après mode as lifts close.
Tips
Avoid peak lunch: Ski through lunch (11:30am-1pm) when lines are shortest, then eat early or late.
Make dinner reservations: Popular restaurants fill up during peak season. Reserve ahead for groups or nice dinners.
Explore Fraser: Don't limit yourself to the resort village. Fraser's restaurants offer better value and more character.
Stock your lodging: If you have a kitchen, grocery shop in Fraser. Cooking some meals saves money for a nicer dinner out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dining at Winter Park expensive?
Resort village is typical ski resort pricing (expensive). Fraser offers better value. Budget accordingly.
Should I eat at the resort or drive to Fraser?
Fraser for dinner or if you have time. Village for quick meals between skiing. Fraser is worth the short drive for quality and value.
Are there vegetarian options?
Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Options are more limited than in Denver but you won't go hungry.
Do I need reservations?
Recommended for dinner at popular places during peak season. Lunch and casual spots are usually walk-in friendly.